CN120916951A

CN120916951A - Containers, blanks, and methods for forming containers with bottom walls having openings.

Info

Publication number: CN120916951A
Application number: CN202480024538.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·小桑托罗; E·M·奥马利; T·J·威特林; A·J·谢勒; J·瓦伦西亚; B·J·沃林
Original assignee: Visilok Shared Services Co ltd
Current assignee: Visilok Shared Services Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-09
Filing date: 2024-02-07
Publication date: 2025-11-07
Also published as: EP4367035A1; CA3225381A1; MX2024000331A; WO2023283491A1; AU2022309231A1; KR20240034780A; JP2024525092A; US20230174267A1; KR20250145616A; US20240308722A1; AU2024217654A1

Abstract

A container includes a first end structure defining a first opening therein, the first end structure being configured to receive a first cap positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening. A second end structure is positioned opposite the first end structure and defines a second opening extending through the second end structure. The container also includes: two opposing side walls connected to the second end structure along respective first sets of fold lines; and two opposing end walls connected to the second end structure along respective second sets of fold lines. At least one of the two opposing end walls extends obliquely relative to the second end structure and widens outward from the second end structure. The container also includes a second cap positioned on the second end structure and extending across the second opening.

Description

Container, blank and method for forming a container having a bottom wall with an opening

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a partial continuation of International patent application No. PCT/US2022/036720, filed on 7.11, 2022, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/320,428 filed on 3.16, 2022, U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/309,805 filed on 14, 2022, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/220,311 filed on 7.9, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The technical field of the present disclosure relates generally to containers, and more particularly to containers having a bottom wall with an opening, and methods for forming the same.

Background

Containers come in a variety of forms. Some conventional containers (such as boxes, baskets, trays, etc.) typically have a closed bottom portion with four sides. Some containers include a top portion or lid to close the container, while others have an open top. In some cases, the container is formed first and later filled with product, and then sealed with a film adhered across its top to close the container.

In some such cases, the container is initially formed with an open top portion so that it can be filled later. Typically, such containers are formed and stacked or nested on top of each other and transported to another location for filling and/or sealing. In some cases, the container includes a flanged portion around its top rim to which the sealing film ultimately adheres. In some known containers that include these flanged portions, the flanges are not formed simultaneously when the container is initially formed. Instead, the formed containers with flat (flangeless) side walls are stacked and transported for filling, and once filled, the flanges of the containers are folded outwardly to form a sealing surface during the sealing process.

Other conventional containers may have flanges formed during initial formation of the container, but the flanges are formed simply by folding the flanges into place. I.e. the flange is not set or glued in place.

These known containers may be weak and the various portions of the flange are prone to disengagement from each other. Furthermore, such containers may experience poor sealing because the flanges are prone to disengagement, or require stronger seals, which may be complex, time consuming and/or expensive to produce. Furthermore, when containers are nested, they may become stuck together and present problems when the containers are separated for filling and/or sealing.

As part of the automated packaging process, the containers may be separated manually or by machine. Regardless of the method used to fill the container, difficulties may arise when the containers are nested too tightly. When the flanges between each respective container rest directly on top of each other, it can be difficult to separate the flanges and pull the containers apart by machine or by hand. If the flanges are sufficiently spaced apart, it is easier to reliably separate the containers.

Other containers may have side walls and/or end walls that flare or otherwise taper outwardly from the bottom wall of the container. One challenge with such containers is that they require a large footprint to be arranged in a side-by-side fashion while providing visual access to the goods positioned within the container.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a container is provided. The container includes a first end structure defining a first opening therein, the first end structure configured to receive a first cap positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening. The second end structure is positioned opposite the first end structure and defines a second opening extending through the second end structure. The container also includes two opposing side walls coupled to the second end structure along a respective first set of fold lines, and two opposing end walls coupled to the second end structure along a respective second set of fold lines. At least one of the two opposing end walls extends obliquely relative to the second end structure and diverges outwardly from the second end structure. The container further includes a second cap positioned on the second end structure and extending across the second opening.

In another aspect, a blank for forming a container is provided. The blank comprises a bottom panel, two opposing side panels coupled to the bottom panel along a respective first set of fold lines, and two opposing end panels coupled to the bottom panel along a respective second set of fold lines. The side panels and the end panels are each sized such that, when folded along respective fold lines and formed into a container, the two opposing side panels and the two opposing end panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and diverge outwardly from the bottom panel to define a first end structure opposite the bottom panel. The first end structure defines a first opening and is configured to receive a first cover positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening. The bottom panel defines a second opening therein extending through the bottom panel, and a second cover is positioned on the bottom panel and extends across the second opening.

In yet another aspect, a method of forming a container from a blank is provided, wherein the blank comprises a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, and two opposing end panels. The method includes rotating the end panel inwardly toward the bottom panel, wherein upon rotation the end panel extends obliquely relative to the bottom panel and diverges outwardly from the bottom panel. The method further includes rotating the side panels inwardly toward the bottom panel, wherein upon rotation, the side panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and taper outwardly from the bottom panel. The method further includes forming a first end structure of the container opposite the bottom panel, the first end structure defining a first opening and configured to receive a first lid positioned thereon and extending across the first opening, wherein the bottom panel defines a second opening therein extending through the bottom panel. The method also includes coupling a second cover to the bottom panel, the second cover positioned on the bottom panel to extend across the second opening.

In other aspects, containers formed using such methods and blanks for forming such containers are also provided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top view of an example sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side perspective view of a stack of the plurality of containers shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method of forming a container from a blank according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 10A is a top view of an example sheet blank for forming a container with a denesting assembly according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 10B is an enlarged view of region B of the sheet blank shown in fig. 10A, showing one of the denesting assemblies of the blank.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in fig. 10A.

Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the container shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is another perspective view of the container shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a stack of the plurality of containers shown in fig. 11-13.

Fig. 15 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a side perspective view of a stack of the plurality of containers shown in fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a side perspective view of a stack of the plurality of containers shown in fig. 19.

Fig. 21 is a top view of an example sheet blank for forming a container having an opening in a bottom panel according to this disclosure.

Fig. 22A is a top view of an alternative sheet blank for forming a container having an opening in a bottom panel according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 22B is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in fig. 22A.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of an example container formed from a blank substantially similar to the blank shown in fig. 21 and 22A.

Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a plurality of containers formed from a blank substantially similar to the blank shown in fig. 21.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and utilizes the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stackable container including a top flange. The container is constructed from sheet stock using a machine and/or by hand. For example, the blank may be folded about a mandrel to form the container, or the container may be formed by hand and/or by another type of tray forming machine. Alternatively, a folder/gluer may be used to form the container. In one embodiment, the container is made of paperboard material. However, the container may also be made using any suitable material and is thus not limited to a particular type of material. In alternative embodiments, the container is made using cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, foam board, corrugated paper, and/or any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In an example embodiment, the container includes at least one indicia thereon, including, but not limited to, indicia conveying the product, the manufacturer of the product, and/or the vendor of the product. For example, the logo may include printed text indicating the name of the product and briefly describing the product, a logo and/or trademark indicating the manufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or a design and/or decoration that draws attention. As used herein, "printing," "printed," and/or any other form of "printing" may include, but is not limited to, inkjet printing, laser printing, screen printing, artistic micro-jetting, pen-ink printing, painting, offset printing, flexography, letterpress printing, rotogravure printing, dye transfer, and/or any suitable printing technique known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. In another embodiment, the container is free of indicia, such as, but not limited to, indicia conveying the product, the manufacturer of the product, and/or the seller of the product.

In some embodiments, the inner and/or outer surfaces of the blank and the resulting container are coated or sealed. Such coating or sealing may render the container waterproof or antimicrobial. In other embodiments, the sealing or coating may promote freshness of a product (e.g., produce product) held in the preservation container. In any embodiment, such coating or sealing may be applied to any section(s) of any surface(s) of the container.

In some embodiments, the container may include means for de-nesting the containers when the containers are in a stacked configuration. In some embodiments, the denesting assembly is located at the bottom corner. The denesting assembly may include denesting tabs that, when folded inwardly, prevent the containers from seizing in the stacked configuration and provide a gap between the flanges of the stacked containers. In another embodiment, the denesting tab may be located at a top corner of the container along a lower surface of the container flange. When the containers are stacked, the lower edge of the denesting tab of one container rests on top of the flanges of the underlying container, thus providing a space between the flanges. This spacing allows a person or machine to more easily grasp the flange and assist in separating the containers.

In some embodiments, the container may include an opening defined in a bottom wall of the container. The opening may facilitate providing visual access to the container when the container is positioned in a bottom-up configuration (i.e., the top surface or flange of the container contacts the support surface). The opening may be covered with a transparent film to contain the item within the container without impeding visual access. When the containers are arranged in a side-by-side manner for display, the containers may alternate in a bottom-up and top-up orientation to provide a reduced overall footprint for the arrangement of the containers relative to arranging the containers in all the same orientations, while still facilitating display of each container regardless of its orientation.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a sheet blank 100 is depicted. A container 200 (see fig. 2) is formed from the blank 100. The blank 100 has a first or inner surface 101 and an opposing second or outer surface 103. In addition, the blank 100 defines a leading edge 102 and an opposite trailing edge 104. In one embodiment, the blank 100 sequentially includes, from the leading edge 102 to the trailing edge 104, a first end panel 106, a bottom panel 108, and a second end panel 110, which are coupled together along preformed, generally parallel fold lines 112 and 114, respectively.

More specifically, the first end panel 106 extends from the front edge 102 to the fold line 112, the bottom panel 108 extends from the fold line 112 to the fold line 114, and the second end panel 110 extends from the fold line 114 to the rear edge 104. As further described herein, when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100, the fold line 112 defines a bottom edge of the first end panel 106 and a first end edge of the bottom panel 108, and the fold line 114 defines a second end edge of the bottom panel 108 and a bottom edge of the second end panel 110.

The first side panel 116 extends from a fold line at a first side edge 118 of the bottom panel 108 to a fold line 120 and the opposite second side panel 122 extends from a fold line at a second side edge 124 of the bottom panel 108 to a fold line 126. As further described herein, when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100, the fold line at the first side edge 118 defines the bottom edge of the first side panel 116 and the first side edge of the bottom panel 108, and the fold line at the second side edge 124 defines the second side edge of the bottom panel 108 and the bottom edge of the second side panel 122.

In the exemplary embodiment, first end panel 106, second end panel 110, first side panel 116, and second side panel 122 include a plurality of cutouts 128 defined therein. In the exemplary embodiment, cutout 128 is leaf-shaped and each of first end panel 106, second end panel 110, first side panel 116, and second side panel 122 has six cutouts. Alternatively, the blank 100 may include any suitable number of cutouts 128 having any suitable shape and/or in any suitable location that enable the blank 100 and/or container 200 to function as described herein. In still other embodiments, one or more of the panels 106, 110, 116, and 122 of the blank 100 may not have the cut-out 128.

The first end panel 106 has a height H ₁, the second end panel 110 has a height H ₂, the first side panel 116 has a height H ₃, and the second side panel 122 has a height H ₄. In the exemplary embodiment, the height H ₁ of the first end panel 106, the height H ₂ of the second end panel 110, the height H ₃ of the first side panel 116, and the height H ₄ of the second side panel 122 are substantially the same. In addition, the bottom panel 108 has a length L ₁ and a width W ₁. In an example embodiment, the length L ₁ is greater than the width W ₁ such that the bottom panel 108 is rectangular. In an alternative embodiment, width W ₁ is substantially equal to or greater than length L ₁.

In an example embodiment, the side edges 170 of the end panels 106, 110 and the end edges 172 of the side panels 116, 122 are generally linear and extend at respective angles relative to the bottom panel 108. In other words, in the example embodiment, the side edges 170 of the end panels 106, 110 are not parallel with the side edges 118, 124 of the bottom panel 108, and the end edges 172 of the side panels 116, 122 are not parallel with the end edges (at fold lines 112 and 114) of the bottom panel 108.

Thus, the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122 each have a generally trapezoidal shape, with the panels 106, 110, 116, 122 diverging outwardly as they extend away from the bottom panel 108. That is, the respective widths (not specifically shown) of the end panels 106, 110 adjacent the bottom panel 108 are less than the respective widths (not specifically shown) of the end panels 106, 110 opposite the bottom panel 108. Likewise, the respective lengths (not specifically shown) of the side panels 116, 122 adjacent the bottom panel 108 are less than the respective lengths (not specifically shown) of the side panels 116, 122 opposite the bottom panel 108.

Alternatively, the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, the second side panel 122, and/or the bottom panel 108 may have any suitable shape and/or any suitable size that enables the blank 100 and/or the container 200 to function as described herein.

An inner side panel 130, also referred to as a glue panel, extends from each side edge of each end panel 106, 110 at a respective fold line 132. As such, the blank 100 includes four interior side panels 130. Each inner side panel 130 has a respective free edge 178 opposite the respective fold line 132 from which the inner side panel 130 extends. In an example embodiment, the free edge 178 includes a plurality of linear portions, such as four adjacent linear portions. In alternative embodiments, the free edge 178 may be partially or fully arcuate, or may have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and/or container 200 to function as described herein.

In addition, a first end flange panel 134 extends from the first end panel 106 and a second end flange panel 138 extends from the second end panel 110. More particularly, the first end flange panel 134 extends from the front edge 102 to a fold line 136 at the top edge of the first end panel 106, and the second end flange panel 138 extends from a fold line 140 at the top edge of the second end panel 110 to the rear edge 104.

The first and second flange panels 134, 138 include first and second end flange tabs 142, 144, respectively. The first end flange tab 142 extends from a respective fold line 166 at each side edge of the first end flange panel 134 and the second end flange tab 144 extends from a respective fold line 168 at each side edge of the second end flange panel 138. In the exemplary embodiment, each of first end flange tab 142 and second end flange tab 144 has a substantially arcuate free outer edge 146 and a substantially linear free inner edge 148, respectively. As further described herein with respect to container 200, the shape of the free outer side edge 146 generally defines the shape of the corner 218 of the container 200 (see fig. 2) where the top flange 214 has been formed when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100. Thus, in various alternative embodiments, the first end flange tab 142 and the second end flange tab 144 may have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and/or the container 200 to function as described herein.

A first side flange panel 150 extends from the first side panel 116 and a second side flange panel 152 extends from the second side panel 122. More particularly, the first side flange panel 150 extends from the fold line 120 to a free edge 154 (also referred to as a first side edge of the blank 100) and the second side flange panel 152 extends from the fold line 126 to a free edge 156 (also referred to as a second side edge of the blank 100).

The first and second side flange panels 150, 152 include first and second side flange tabs 158, 160, respectively. A first side flange tab 158 extends from each end edge of the first side flange panel 150 and a second side flange tab 160 extends from each end edge of the second side flange panel 152. In the exemplary embodiment, each of first and second side flange tabs 158, 160 has a substantially arcuate free outer edge 162 and a substantially linear free inner edge 164, respectively. As further described herein with respect to container 200, the shape of the free outer side edge 162 generally defines the shape of the corner 218 of the container 200 (see fig. 2) where the top flange 214 has been formed when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100. Thus, in various alternative embodiments, the first side flange tab 158 and the second side flange tab 160 may have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and/or the container 200 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, first end flange tab 142 and second end flange tab 144 also each include a respective notch 184, with notch 184 being defined between an inboard edge 148 thereof and a side edge of a respective end flange panel 134/138 from which end flange tab 142/144 extends. Likewise, the first and second side flange tabs 158, 160 also each include a respective notch 186, the notch 186 being defined between the inboard edge 164 thereof and the end edge of the respective side flange panel 150/152 from which the side flange tab 158/160 extends. As further described herein, these indentations 184, 186 improve the formation of the container 200 formed from the blank 100 by reducing interference between adjacent end flange tabs 142/144 and side flange tabs 158/160 when the blank 100 is folded into the container 200. Additionally, the notches 184, 186 may facilitate folding and/or joining or mating of the respective flange panels and/or flange tabs.

In an example embodiment, the side flange tabs 158, 160 extend "deeper" or further inward toward the bottom panel 108 than the end flange tabs 142, 144. That is, the side flange tabs 158, 160 have a greater extension in the horizontal direction (with respect to the view of fig. 1) than the extension of the end flange tabs 142, 144 in the vertical direction (with respect to the view of fig. 1).

In the exemplary embodiment, the fold lines 166, 168 of adjacent end flange tabs 142, 144 are generally aligned with the side edges 170 of the end panels 106, 110. That is, each end flange tab 142, 144 may be folded obliquely with respect to the end flange panel 134/138 from which it extends. Additionally, the fold lines 180, 182 of adjacent side flange tabs 158, 160 are generally perpendicular to the fold lines 120, 126. That is, each side flange tab 158, 160 may be folded substantially perpendicularly with respect to the side flange panel 150/152 from which it extends. In other embodiments, each fold line 166, 168, 180, 182 of each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 may have any orientation that enables the blank 100 and/or container 200 to function as described herein.

In some embodiments, portions of the flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160 have reduced thickness such that corners 218 (see fig. 2) of the flange 214 formed by the coupled flange tabs have improved denesting characteristics when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100. The thickness of the flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160 may be reduced by scoring, compressing, squeezing, etc. one or more portions of the flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example container 200 formed from blank 100 (shown in fig. 1). The container 200 includes a bottom wall 202, first and second opposing end walls 204, 206, and first and second opposing side walls 208, 210. Generally, the bottom wall 202 comprises the bottom panel 108 of the blank 100, the first end wall 204 comprises the first end panel 106, the second end wall 206 comprises the second end panel 110, the first side wall 208 comprises the first side panel 116 and two inner side panels 130 (extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110, respectively), and the second end wall 210 comprises the second side panel 122 and two inner side panels 130 (extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110, respectively). The end walls 204, 206, side walls 208, 210, and bottom wall 202 define a cavity 212 of the container 200 for receiving and retaining a product (not shown) therein.

In the example embodiment, the first and second end walls 204, 206 and the first and second side walls 208, 210 extend obliquely away from the bottom wall 202 due to the trapezoidal shape of the panels 106, 110, 116, and 122. Specifically, in one embodiment, each end wall 204, 206 and each side wall 208, 210 form an interior angle of more than about 90 degrees, respectively, with respect to the bottom wall 202. That is, in the example embodiment, the walls 204, 206, 208, 210 of the formed container 200 are angled generally outwardly from the bottom wall 202 of the container 200 (i.e., away from the bottom wall 202 of the container 200). Thus, the resulting container 200 generally has a trapezoidal prism or truncated pyramid shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the end walls 204, 206 and side walls 208, 210 may form any angle with the bottom wall 202 that enables the blank 100 and/or container 200 to function as described herein.

The container 200 also includes a flange 214 extending from the top of each of the first and second end walls 204, 206 and the first and second side walls 208, 210. In the exemplary embodiment, flange 214 extends outwardly or away from cavity 212 and is bounded by a free edge 216 that includes both straight and arcuate segments, specifically, corners 218 of flange 214 are generally arcuate. In the exemplary embodiment, flange 214 is oriented parallel to bottom wall 202. Due to the orientation of the walls of the container 200, the flange 214 is oriented oblique to the first and second end walls 204, 206 and the first and second side walls 208, 210. Alternatively, flange 214 may extend in any direction that enables blank 100 and/or container 200 to function as described herein and have any suitable shape that enables blank 100 and/or container 200 to function as described herein.

The container 200 is formed by folding the various panels and tabs of the blank 100 along respective fold lines. Specifically, each inner side panel 130 is rotated about fold line 132 toward the inner surface 101 of each end panel 106, 110 such that each inner side panel 130 is substantially perpendicular to the respective end panel 106, 110. The first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110 are rotated about fold lines 112 and 114, respectively, toward the inner surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 to form first and second end walls 204, 206, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second end panels 106, 110 are rotated to form an angle of more than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom panel 108. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second end panels 106, 110 may form any angle with the bottom panel 108 that enables the blank 100 and/or container 200 to function as described herein.

The first side panel 116 is rotated about fold line 118 toward the inner surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 and into face-to-face relationship with the outer surfaces 103 of the two inner side panels 130. Likewise, the second side panel 122 is rotated about fold line 124 toward the inner surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 and into face-to-face relation with the outer surfaces 103 of the other two inner side panels 130. In one embodiment, the first and second side panels 116, 122 are rotated to form an angle of more than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom panel 108. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second side panels 116, 122 are rotated and may form any angle with the bottom panel 108 that enables the blank 100 and/or container 200 to function as described herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, an adhesive, particularly a hot melt adhesive, is applied to end portions of the inner surface 101 of the first side panel 116 and the second side panel 122. Thus, when these panels 116, 122 are rotated into face-to-face contact with the inboard panel 130, the end portions of the inner surfaces 101 of the panels 116, 122 are respectively coupled and adhered to the outer surface 103 of the inboard panel 130. Thereby, end walls 204, 206 and side walls 208, 210 are formed.

In alternative embodiments, adhesive may be applied to the inner surface 101 of the inner side panel 130. In this case, the side panels 116, 122 may first be rotated into place, and then the end panels 106, 110 may be rotated such that the inner side panel 130 is coupled and adhered to the outer surface 103 of the side panels 116, 122. In still alternative embodiments, the inner side panels may alternatively extend from the side panels 116, 122, in which case adhesive may be applied and the panels 106, 110, 116, 122 rotated in any suitable order to form the container 200.

Additionally, substantially simultaneously (e.g., within the same forming step) with forming the walls of the container 200, the side flange panels 150, 152 are rotated outwardly (e.g., away from the bottom wall 202) about the fold lines 120, 126, respectively, until the side flange panels 150, 152 are parallel to the bottom wall 202. The side flange tabs 158, 160 move with the side flange panels 150, 152. That is, rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152 causes the side flange tabs 158, 160 to simultaneously rotate into a parallel orientation relative to the bottom wall 202.

In one example embodiment, the walls of the container 200 are formed substantially simultaneously as the side flange panels 150, 152 are rotated. It is noted, however, that rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152 may occur prior to or during folding of the end panels 106, 110 to form the side walls 204, 206. In particular, the side flange panels 150, 152 are folded such that the end flange tabs 142, 144 and the side flange tabs 158, 160 do not interfere at the corners of the partially formed container. Even more specifically, because the end flange tabs 142, 144 are "shorter" or "shallower" than the side flange tabs 158, 160 (e.g., the inner edges of the end flange tabs 142, 144 extend less than the inner edges of the side flange tabs 158, 160), the inner edges of the end flange tabs 142, 144 do not "catch" the folded side flange tabs 158, 160 when the end panels 106, 110 are folded inwardly to form the side walls 204, 206.

In a separate step (e.g., after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, which may be several milliseconds to several seconds), the end flange panels 134, 138 are rotated outwardly (e.g., away from the bottom wall 202) about the fold lines 136, 140, respectively, until the end flange panels 134, 138 are parallel to the bottom wall 202. The end flange tabs 142, 144 move with the end flange panels 134, 138. That is, rotation of the end flange panels 134, 138 causes the end flange tabs 142, 144 to simultaneously rotate into a parallel orientation relative to the bottom wall 202. Further, this rotation of the end flange panels 134, 138 couples the outer surfaces 103 of the end flange tabs 142, 144 in face-to-face relation against the inner surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160 (which have been in their final positions as a result of having been previously rotated).

Notably, in the exemplary embodiment, an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, is applied to the inner surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160 prior to forming the container 200 (e.g., simultaneously with the application of the adhesive to the side panels 116, 122). Thus, when the end flange panels 134, 138 are rotated after the side flange panels 150, 152 are rotated, the outer surfaces 103 of the end flange tabs 142, 144 are coupled against the inner surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160 and adhered to the inner surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160.

Thereafter, the end flange panels 134, 138, side flange panels 150, 152, end flange tabs 142, 144, and side flange tabs 158, 160 are properly oriented and secured to form flange 214. Flange corners 218 are formed at the respective overlaps of the end flange tabs 142, 144 and the side flange tabs 158, 160. In an example embodiment, flange 214, also referred to as a "top flange," is substantially flat or planar and is stronger than conventional flanges that are not glued or glued until the container is sealed. In at least some instances, where the end flange tabs 142, 144 and/or the side flange tabs 158, 160 feature a reduced thickness, the integral flange 214 is even more desirably planar, which in turn may improve the sealing characteristics and/or rigidity of the container 200.

Once formed, the containers 200 (see stack 300 of containers 200 shown in fig. 3) are nested or stacked for storage and/or transport thereof. In some cases, these containers 200 are ultimately used to hold a variety of objects. In some embodiments, a stack 300 of containers 200 is delivered to a filling location where individual containers 200 are retrieved from the stack 300. As described herein, the flange corners 218 (including the end flange tabs 142, 144 and/or the side flange tabs 158, 160 that are embossed and/or characterized by reduced thickness) of the container 200 may improve the de-nesting characteristics of the container 200.

The open, empty, and denested container 200 is then filled with the product (e.g., agricultural product). The membrane 220 is placed across the top of the container 200 and sealed against the flange 214 to form a seal. The film 220 may be coupled and adhered to the flange 214 using any suitable method or material (e.g., adhesive, heat seal, etc.).

As described elsewhere herein, flange 214 of container 200 provides structural advantages over flanges of similar containers. That is, applying adhesive to the side flange tabs 158, 160 during initial formation of the container 200 to couple the end flange tabs 142, 144 to the side flange tabs 158, 160 increases both the structural integrity and sealing capability of the container 200. Conventional containers may have a top flange, but as described above, such conventional containers are formed differently than container 200 (i.e., do not include a formed flange, or do not apply adhesive to join flange tabs during initial container formation), and thus container 200 provides an improvement over known conventional containers.

The corner 218 of the flange 214 is reinforced and strengthened by the application of adhesive in coupling the end flange tabs 142, 144 to the side flange tabs 158, 160, thus enhancing the structural rigidity of the container 200. For example, the container 200 may be able to hold a greater weight of product and/or more effectively prevent leakage of liquid. Such reinforcement may also reduce the risk of structural failure of the container 200 after filling and sealing. In addition, this reinforcement promotes improved sealing of the container 200. Furthermore, flange 214 may be substantially flatter than the flange of a conventional container. Such a flange 214 enables easier, faster, simpler, and/or more cost-effective (e.g., using less sealing material) application of a sealing film to seal the container 200. These enhancements enable the container 200 to function more efficiently than other conventional containers.

Fig. 4 is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 400 for forming a container 500 (see fig. 5). The blank 400 is substantially similar to the blank 100 (shown in fig. 1), except as noted below. As such, the same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the blank 100 and the blank 400.

In one embodiment, the blank 400 includes a cut-out 402 extending from the fold lines 112, 114, 118, 120, 124, 126, 136, 140 into each of the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122. In this embodiment, the cut 402 has a generally rectangular shape adjacent to the fold lines 112, 114, 118, 120, 124, 126, 136, 140 and a generally semi-circular shape at opposite ends. In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 includes four cutouts 402 and each side panel includes five cutouts 402. In alternative embodiments, the blank 400 may include any suitable number of cuts 402 having any suitable shape at any suitable location that enables the blank 400 and/or container 500 to function as described herein.

In one embodiment, the blank 400 further comprises an interior side panel 430, the interior side panel 430 having an overall shape that is different from the interior side panel 130 of the blank 100. The inner panel 430 of the blank 400 has a free edge 178 opposite the fold line 132, wherein the free edge 178 includes a plurality of linear portions and curved portions. In particular, each free edge 178 includes a curved notch 404 such that when the container 500 is formed from a blank, the inside side edges 430 do not cover or otherwise interfere with the cuts 402 on the side panels 116, 122. That is, the curved notch 404 of the inner side panel 430 prevents the inner side panel 430 from overlapping the cutout 402 in the side panels 116, 122. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the free edges 178 may have any suitable shape that enables the blank 400 and/or container 500 to function as described herein.

In addition, the bottom panel 108 of the blank 400 is smaller and more square than the bottom panel 108 of the blank 100. In an example embodiment, the blank 400 includes end flange tabs 142, 144 and side flange tabs 158, 160 similar to the blank 100. However, in the blank 400, the fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 bounding the flange tabs are angled such that each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 may be folded perpendicular to its respective flange panel 134, 138, 150, 152. In other embodiments, the fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 may have any orientation that enables the blank 400 and/or container 500 to function as described herein.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an example container 500 formed from blank 400 (shown in fig. 4). The container 500 is substantially similar to the container 200 (shown in fig. 2) and is formed from the blank 400 using a method similar to the method of forming the container 200 from the blank 100. The container 500 may have a different size than the container 200.

Fig. 6 is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 600 for forming a container. The blank 600 is substantially similar to the blank 100 (shown in fig. 1) except as noted below. As such, the same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the blank 100 and the blank 600.

In one embodiment, the blank 600 includes a cut 602 extending along the fold lines 112, 114, 118, 124, 120, 126, 136, and 140. In addition, the fold line 604 between the side panels 116, 122 and the inner end panel 606 (described further herein) also has a cut 602 extending therethrough. In an example embodiment, the cutout 602 has a general "stadium" shape. In alternative embodiments, the blank 600 may include any suitable number of cutouts 602 having any suitable shape that enable the blank 600 and/or any container formed therefrom to function as described herein.

In one embodiment, the blank 600 further comprises an inner end panel 606 that extends along the fold line 604 the end edges of the first side panel 116 and the second side panel 122, rather than the inner side panel 130 as in the blank 100. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, blank 600 includes four inner end panels 606. In the exemplary embodiment, the overall shape of the inner end panel 606 is different from the inner side panel 130 of the blank 100. In the exemplary embodiment, inner end panel 606 has a free edge 608 opposite fold line 604, wherein free edge 608 includes a plurality of linear portions and/or curved portions. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the free edges 608 may have any suitable shape that enables the blank 600 and/or any container formed therefrom to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 has a notch 610 formed in its side edges. In the exemplary embodiment, once container 700 is formed from blank 600, notch 610 receives cutout 602 in inner end panel 606 of blank 600. That is, the notch 610 prevents the end panels 106, 110 from overlapping the cutout 602 in the inner end panel 606 when formed.

In addition, the blank 600 includes a notch 612 formed in the side panels 116, 122 between the bottom edge of the inner end panel 606 and the fold line 118/124. The notches 612 may facilitate folding and/or joining or mating of the respective flange panels and/or flange tabs.

In this example embodiment, the end flange tabs 142, 144 and side flange tabs 158, 160 of the blank 600 do not include the notches 182/184 and are generally shaped differently than the flange tabs in the blank 100. In the blank 600, each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 has a respective free edge 146, the free edge 146 including a curved portion and a straight portion. In addition, the fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 bounding each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 are angled such that each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 may be folded obliquely to its respective flange panel 134, 138, 150, 152.

The container formed from the blank 600 is formed in a manner similar to the container 200, with the inner end panel 606 of the blank 600 folded in a manner similar to the inner side panel 130 of the blank 100, but coupled to the end panels 106, 110, but not the side panels 116, 122.

Fig. 7 is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 800 for forming a container.

In an example embodiment, similar to blank 100, blank 800 includes a first end panel 802, a second end panel 804, a first side panel 806, a second side panel 808, and a bottom panel 810. The first end panel 802, the second end panel 804, the first side panel 806, and the second side panel 808 each have a generally trapezoidal shape, and the bottom panel 810 has a generally rectangular shape with chamfered corners. Thus, in the example embodiment, the bottom panel 810 has eight edges. Similar to the blank 100, the blank 800 further comprises a first end flange panel 812, a second end flange panel 814, first and second side flange panels 816, 818, and first and second end flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826.

In an example embodiment, the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 of the blank 800 have a different size and overall shape than the flange tabs of the blank 100. In particular, the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 each have a respective free end edge 828, the free end edges 828 including a plurality of straight and/or curved lines. In an example embodiment, the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 also each include a respective notch 830 on their respective inner side edges 832. The flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 800 and/or container 900 to function as described herein.

In the example embodiment, the blank 800 further comprises a corner panel 834, the corner panel 834 extending from a fold line 836 at a chamfered or angled corner of the bottom panel 810. An inner corner panel 838, also referred to as a glue panel, extends from each side edge of each corner panel 834. As such, in the example embodiment, the blank 800 includes eight interior corner panels 838. Each inner corner panel 838 extends from a side edge of the respective corner panel 834 at fold lines 840 (only one fold line 840 is labeled in fig. 7 for clarity).

Corner panels 834 of the blank 800 also each comprise a corner flange panel 842. Each corner flange panel 842 extends from a respective fold line 844 at the top of the respective corner panel 834 to the free edge 845. Corner flange tabs 846 extend from each end edge of each corner flange panel 842. In the example embodiment, the corner flange tabs 846 are bounded by fold lines 848 and free edges 849, respectively. In an example embodiment, the corner flange tab 846 further includes a notch 850 defined in an inboard edge thereof. The fold line 848 bounding each corner flange tab 846 is angled such that each corner flange tab 846 may be folded obliquely to its respective corner flange panel 842. In other embodiments, the fold line 848 may have any orientation that enables the blank 800 and/or container 900 to function as described herein.

In an example embodiment, similar to the blank 100, the first end panel 802, the second end panel 804, the first side panel 806, and the second side panel 808 include a plurality of cutouts 852 defined therein. Specifically, first and second end panels 806, 808 each include three cutouts 852 located adjacent fold lines 854, 856, and first and second side panels 806, 808 each include four cutouts 852 located adjacent fold lines 858, 860. Alternatively, the blank 800 may include any suitable number of cutouts 852 of any suitable shape and/or in any suitable position that enable the blank 800 and/or container 900 to function as described herein.

In some embodiments, portions of the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, 846 have reduced thickness such that corners 918 (see fig. 8) of the flange 914 formed by the coupled flange tabs have improved denesting characteristics when the container 900 is formed from the blank 800. The thickness of the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, 846 may be reduced by scoring, compressing, extruding, etc. one or more portions of the flange tabs.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an example faujased container 900 formed from a blank 800 (shown in fig. 7). The container 900 includes a bottom wall 902, first and second opposing end walls 904, 906, first and second opposing side walls 908, 910, and four angled corner walls 920. In general, the bottom wall 902 comprises the bottom panel 810 of the blank 800, the first end wall 904 comprises the first end panel 802 and two inner corner panels 838, the second end wall 906 comprises the second end panel 804 and two inner corner panels 838, the first side wall 908 comprises the first side panel 806 and two inner corner panels 838, the second end wall 910 comprises the second side panel 808 and two inner corner panels 838, and each corner wall 920 comprises one of the corner panels 834. The end walls 904, 906, side walls 908, 910, corner wall 920, and bottom wall 902 define a cavity 912 of the container 900 for receiving and retaining a product (not shown) therein. Like container 200, the walls of container 900 are oriented obliquely at an angle of more than 90 degrees relative to bottom wall 902. In the example embodiment, the bottom wall 902 of the container 900 has a generally rectangular shape with straight chamfered corners. Thus, the bottom wall 902 of the container includes eight sides. Alternatively, container 900 may have any suitable shape and/or size that enables blank 800 and/or container 900 to function as described herein.

The container 900 also includes a flange 914 extending from the top of the walls 904, 906, 908, 910, 920. In the example embodiment, flange 914 extends outwardly or away from cavity 912 and is bounded by a free edge 916 comprising both straight and arcuate segments, in particular, corners 918 of flange 914 formed by corner flange panels 842 are generally arcuate. In the exemplary embodiment, flange 914 is oriented parallel to bottom wall 902. Due to the orientation of the walls of the container 900, the flange 914 is oriented obliquely to the walls 904, 906, 908, 910, 920. Alternatively, flange 914 may extend in any direction and have any suitable shape that enables container 900 to function as described herein.

The container 900 is formed by folding the various panels and tabs of the blank 800 along respective fold lines. Specifically, corner panel 834 is rotated inwardly (toward bottom panel 810) about fold line 836, and inner corner panel 838 is rotated inwardly (toward the corresponding corner panel 834) about fold line 840. First side panel 806 is rotated about fold line 858 toward the interior surface of bottom panel 810 and second side panel 808 is rotated about fold line 860 toward the interior surface of bottom panel 810. Each of the first side panel 806 and the second side panel 808 are coupled to two respective inner corner panels 834 using an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, to form side walls 908, 910. First end panel 802 is rotated about fold line 854 toward the inner surface of bottom panel 810 and second end panel 804 is rotated about fold line 856 toward the inner surface of bottom panel 810. Each of the first end panel 802 and the second end panel 804 are coupled to two respective inner corner panels 838 using an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, to form end walls 904, 906. The first side panel 806, the second side panel 808, the first end panel 802, and the second end panel 804 may be rotated about fold lines 858, 860, 854, 856, respectively, and attached to the inner corner panel 838 in any order that enables the blank 800 and/or container 900 to function as described herein.

Additionally, the end flange panels 812, 814 and side flange panels 816, 818 are rotated outwardly (e.g., away from the bottom wall 902) substantially simultaneously (e.g., within the same forming step) with forming the walls of the container 900 until the flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818 are parallel to the bottom wall 902. This rotation of the flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818 causes the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 to simultaneously rotate into a parallel orientation relative to the bottom wall 202.

In a separate step (e.g., after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, which may be a few milliseconds to a few seconds), corner flange panel 842 is rotated outwardly about fold line 844 until corner flange panel 842 is substantially parallel to bottom panel 810. Rotation of corner flange panel 842 causes corner flange tabs 846 to simultaneously rotate into a parallel orientation with respect to bottom wall 202. Further, this rotation of corner flange panel 842 also couples corner flange tab 846 with end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 (which have been in their final positions as they have been previously rotated) in overlapping relation.

Notably, in the exemplary embodiment, an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, is applied to the inner surfaces of the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 prior to forming the container 900. Thus, when the corner flange panel 842 is rotated after rotating the end and side flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818, the outer surfaces of the corner flange tabs 846 couple against and adhere to the inner surfaces of the corresponding end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826.

When formed using the methods described herein, container 900 includes the same advantages as container 200. In particular, flange 914, also referred to as a "top flange," is substantially flat or planar and is stronger than conventional flanges that are not glued or glued until the container is sealed. In at least some instances, where any of the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, and/or 846 feature a reduced thickness, the integral flange 914 may be even more desirably flat, which in turn may improve the sealing characteristics and/or rigidity of the container 900.

Once formed, the containers 900 are nested or stacked for storage and/or shipping thereof. In some cases, these containers 900 are ultimately used to hold a variety of objects. In some embodiments, a stack of containers 900 is delivered to a filling location where individual containers 900 are retrieved from the stack. As described herein, the flange corners 918 of the container 900 (including the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, and/or 846 embossed and/or characterized by reduced thickness) may improve the de-nesting characteristics of the container 900.

The open, empty, and denested container 900 is then filled with the product (e.g., agricultural product). A membrane (not shown) is placed across the top of the container 900 and sealed against the flange 914 to form a seal. The membrane may be coupled and adhered to flange 914 using any suitable method or material (e.g., adhesive, heat seal, etc.). As described elsewhere herein, flange 914 of container 900 provides structural advantages over flanges similar to conventional containers. That is, applying adhesive to the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 during initial formation of the container 900 to couple the corner flange tabs 846 to the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 increases both the structural integrity and sealing capability of the container 900. Conventional containers may have a top flange, but as described above, such conventional containers are formed differently than container 900 (i.e., do not include a formed flange, or do not apply adhesive to join flange tabs during initial container formation), and thus container 900 provides an improvement over known conventional containers.

Adhesive is applied to strengthen and strengthen the corners 918 of the flange 914 when the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 are coupled to the corner flange tabs 846, thus enhancing the structural rigidity of the container 900. For example, the container 900 may be able to hold a greater weight of product and/or more effectively prevent leakage of liquid. Such reinforcement may also reduce the risk of structural failure of the container 900 after filling and sealing. In addition, such reinforcement facilitates improved sealing of the container 900. Furthermore, flange 914 may be substantially flatter than the flange of a conventional container. Such a flange 914 enables easier, faster, simpler, and/or more cost-effective (e.g., using less sealing material) application of a sealing film to seal the container 900. These enhancements enable the container 900 to function more efficiently than other conventional containers.

Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method 1000 of forming a container from a blank. In some embodiments, the blank comprises a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, two opposing end panels, a respective end flange panel extending from a top edge of each end panel, a respective end flange tab extending from each side edge of each end flange panel, a respective side flange panel extending from a top end of each side panel, and a respective side flange tab extending from each end edge of each side flange panel. The method 1000 includes applying 1002 a hot melt adhesive to an inner surface of the side flange tab, rotating 1004 the end panel inwardly toward the bottom panel, and rotating 1006 the side panel inwardly toward the bottom panel. The method 1000 further includes rotating 1008 the side flange panels outwardly relative to the bottom panel in a parallel orientation and, after rotating 1008, rotating 1010 the end flange panels relative to the bottom panel in a parallel orientation. The method 1000 also includes coupling 1012 the end flange tab to the side flange tab to form a container having a fully formed top flange.

In some embodiments, the blank further comprises a respective inner side panel extending from each side edge of each end panel. In some such cases, the method 1000 further includes applying a hot melt adhesive to a portion of the inner surface of the side panel, rotating the inner side panel inward, after the rotating the inner side panel, performing a rotation 1008, and coupling the side panel to the inner side panel.

Method 1000 may include additional, fewer, and/or alternative steps, including those disclosed elsewhere herein.

Fig. 10A is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 1100 for forming a container 1200 (see fig. 11). The blank 1100 is substantially similar to the blank 100 (shown in fig. 1), except as noted below. As such, the same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the blank 100 and the blank 1100.

In one embodiment, the blank 1100 includes a cut 1102 defined in the first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110. In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 includes four cutouts 1102. In alternative embodiments, cutouts may also be defined in the first side panel 116 and the second side panel 122. The blank 1100 can include any suitable number of cutouts 1102 in any suitable locations, having any suitable shape, that enable the blank 1100 and/or the container 1200 to function as described herein.

In the example embodiment, the blank 1100 includes a medial panel 1104, the medial panel 1104 having a different overall shape than the medial panel 130 of the blank 100. The inner panels 1104 of the blank 1100 each include a free edge 178 opposite the fold line 132 and substantially parallel to the fold line 132. The free edges 178 each extend along the length of the respective fold line 132 and each terminate transversely at the end edges 172 of the side panels 116, 122.

In addition, the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1100 is smaller and more square than the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1100. In the exemplary embodiment, four denesting assemblies 1105 are included, one at each corner of the bottom panel 108. Alternate embodiments may include any suitable number of denesting components 1105. For example, only one denesting component 1105 may be located at one corner of the bottom panel 108. The blank 1100 may include any number of denesting assemblies 1105 that enable the blank 1100 and/or the container 1200 to function as described herein.

Fig. 10B illustrates an enlarged view of region B of the blank 1100 shown in fig. 10A. Denesting component 1105 includes denesting tab 1106 and denesting notch 1118. The denesting tab 1106 includes a first triangular section 1108 defined in the inner side panel 1104, a second triangular section 1110 defined in the end panels 106, 110, side fold lines 1112, a center fold line 1122, a bottom fold line 1124, a first tear drop shaped lobe 1116 and a second tear drop shaped lobe 1117. Triangular sections 1108, 1110 are defined by side fold lines 1112, a center fold line 1122, and a bottom fold line 1124, with side fold lines 1112 extending from point 1114 along fold line 132 (shown in fig. 10A) and extending outwardly at an acute angle. The tear drop shaped petals 1116, 1117 are adjacent to the triangular sections 1108, 1110 and extend into the denesting cutout 1118. The bottom fold line 1124 is located between the triangular sections 1108, 1110 and the tear drop shaped petals 1116, 1117. Denesting cutout 1118 is blank space of the blank without sheets. Denesting cutouts 1118 are located at the corners of bottom panel 108 and further extend at an angle across the corners of side panels 116, 122.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an example container 1200 (shown in fig. 11) formed from a blank 1100 (shown in fig. 10A). The container 1200 is substantially similar to the container 200 (shown in fig. 2) and is formed from the blank 1100 using a method similar to the method of forming the container 200 from the blank 100. The vessel 1200 may have a different size than the vessel 200 and further includes a denesting component 1105. In addition to the methods described with respect to forming the container 200 from the blank 100, additional steps are required to form the container 1200 from the blank 1100. When panels 106, 110, 116, and 122 are folded upward to form a container 1200, the denesting tabs 1106 are folded along fold lines 1112, 1122, 1124 into a cavity 1220 (shown in fig. 12) of the formed container 1200. The denesting component 1105, and in particular each of the fold lines 1112, 1122, 1124, cooperates with the cutout 1118 to allow the denesting tab 1106 to flex inwardly toward the cavity 1220. The denesting cutout 1118 also includes arcuate edges 1120 to provide clearance for the tear-drop shaped petals 1116, 1117 of the denesting tab 1106 to bend inwardly toward the cavity 1220. Thus, the denesting tabs 1106 on the formed container 1200 each extend into the cavity 1220 at an acute angle relative to the starting position.

Fig. 12 is another perspective view of a container 1200 (shown in fig. 11) formed from a blank 1100 (shown in fig. 10A). The container 1200 includes a bottom wall 1210, a first end wall 1212, a second end wall 1214, a first side wall 1216, and a second side wall 1218. The bottom wall 1210 includes the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1100, the first end wall 1212 includes the first end panel 106, the second end wall 1214 includes the second end panel 110, the first side wall 1216 includes the first side panel 116 and two inner side panels 1104 (extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110, respectively), and the second side wall 1218 includes the second side panel 122 and two inner side panels 1104 (extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110, respectively). These walls form a cavity 1220.

The container 1200 also includes a flange 1222 extending from the top of each of the first and second end walls 1212, 1214 and the first and second side walls 1216, 1218. In an example embodiment, the flange 1222 extends outwardly or away from the cavity 1220.

Fig. 13 is another perspective view of a container 1200 (shown in fig. 11) formed from a blank 1100 (shown in fig. 10A).

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a stack 1300 of a plurality of containers 1200 in which the containers are nested or stacked for storage and/or transport thereof. The extended denesting tabs 1106 ensure that the containers 1200 do not snap together when nested in a stack 1300 and provide an almost equal spacing 1302 between the flanges 1222 of each container 1200. The spacing 1302 between the flanges 1222 allows a worker or machine to grasp an individual container 1200 and prevent the container from seizing another container in the stack 1300.

Fig. 15 is a top view of an alternative blank 1400 for forming a container 1500 (see fig. 16). The blank 1400 is substantially similar to the blank 100 (shown in fig. 1) and the blank 1100 (shown in fig. 10A), except as noted below. As such, components common to the blank 100, the blank 1100, and the blank 1400 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

The blank 1400 includes a bottom panel 108, a first end panel 106, a second end panel 110, a first side panel 116, a second side panel 122, and an interior side panel 130 projecting outwardly from opposite sides of the first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110. In one embodiment, the blank 1400 includes a cutout 1402 defined in the first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110. In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 includes four cutouts 1402. In alternative embodiments, cutouts may also be defined in the first side panel 116 and the second side panel 122. The blank 1400 may include any suitable number of cutouts 1402 having any suitable shape at any suitable location that enables the blank 1400 and/or container 1500 to function as described herein.

Fig. 15 also depicts an enlarged view of the denesting tab 1404 (alternatively referred to as a "denesting assembly" in the embodiment of fig. 15). The blank 1400 includes four denesting tabs 1404 located at the upper or top corners of the side panels 116, 122 (i.e., adjacent flange panels 150), although other embodiments may include any suitable number of denesting tabs. The denesting tab 1404 extends outwardly from the end edge 172 and along the fold line 120 of the first side flange panel 150. The denesting tab 1404 includes a curved edge 1406 along the first side flange tab 158 and a lower edge 1408 approximately perpendicular to the end edge 172.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an example container 1500 formed from a blank 1400 (shown in fig. 15). The container 1500 is substantially similar to the container 200 (shown in fig. 2) and the container 1200 (shown in fig. 11) and is formed from the blank 1400 using a method similar to the method of forming the container 200 from the blank 100, except for the differences described below. The container 1500 may have a different size than the container 200 and further includes a denesting tab 1404. The container 1500 includes a bottom wall (not shown), a first end wall 1502, a second end wall (not shown), a first side wall 1504, and a second side wall (not shown). The bottom wall (not shown) includes the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1400, the first end wall 1502 includes the first end panel 106, the second end wall (not shown) includes the second end panel 110, the first side wall 1504 includes the first side panel 116 and two inner side panels 130 (extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110, respectively), and the second side wall (not shown) includes the second side panel 122 and two inner side panels 130 (extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110, respectively). These walls form a cavity 1506. The container 1500 also includes a flange 1508 that protrudes from the top of each of the first end wall 1502, the second end wall (not shown), the first side wall 1504, and the second side wall (not shown).

The denesting tab 1404 is positioned adjacent to the flange 1508 and projects outwardly from the side wall 1504 beyond the end wall 1502 and in the same plane as the side wall 1504. In an example embodiment, at least one denesting tab 1404 is provided at each corner of the container 1500 when the container 1500 is assembled. The denesting tab 1404 extends within the contour of the flange 1508 and does not extend beyond the peripheral outer edge 1512 of the flange 1508. A gap 1510 is formed between the curved edge 1406 and the flange 1508.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a stack 1600 of a plurality of containers 1500, showing the containers 1500 nested or stacked for storage and/or transport thereof. The lower edges 1408 of the denesting tabs 1404 are in contact with the top surfaces of the flanges 1508 and define a space 1602 between each flange 1508. Forces are transferred through the lower edge 1408 of the denesting tab 1404 of one container 1500 to the flange 1508 of the container 1500 below. The spaces 1602 between each flange 1508 are substantially equal and are maintained by the denesting tabs 1404.

The space 1602 prevents the flanges 1508 from directly contacting each other. In some cases, flange 1508 may have excess glue from the process of forming container 1500. Preventing contact of the flanges prevents excess glue from causing the containers 1500 to stick together in the stacked configuration. In other cases, space 1602 may prevent container 1500 from being compressed and becoming stuck together. Once the container is compressed, additional friction may be created between the surfaces of the container 1500, making it more difficult to separate the container 1500. In addition, the size of the space 1602 may be selected to provide sufficient clearance for a worker or machine to pull individual containers 1500 from a stack 1600.

Fig. 18 is a top view of an alternative blank 1700 for forming a container 1800 (see fig. 19).

In an example embodiment, similar to blank 800, blank 1700 includes a first end panel 1702, a second end panel 1704, a first side panel 1706, a second side panel 1708, and a bottom panel 1710. Bottom panel 1710 has a generally rectangular shape with chamfered corners, in the example embodiment, eight edges. The blank 1700 also includes a first end flange panel 1712, a second end flange panel 1714, a first side flange panel 1716, and a second side flange panel 1718.

The blank 1700 also includes a corner panel 1720 extending from a fold line 1722 of the chamfered corner of the bottom panel 1710. An inner corner panel 1724 extends from each side edge 1726 of each corner panel 1720. Each corner panel 1720 also includes a corner flange tab 1728, the corner flange tab 1728 including a curved outer edge 1730, and additionally forming a notch 1732 on the inner edge adjacent to the corner panel 1720. The corner flange tabs 1728 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 1700 and/or container 1800 to function as described herein. Fold lines 1734 are defined between the inner corner panels and each of the first and second end panels 1702, 1704 and the first and second side panels 1706, 1708.

Each of the first and second end panels 1702, 1704 and the first and second side panels 1706, 1708 further include a denesting tab 1736 on both sides of each respective panel 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. The denesting tab 1736 is substantially similar to the denesting tab 1404 (shown in fig. 15) in that it is provided adjacent to the flange panels 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718. However, unlike the blank of fig. 15, which includes four denesting tabs 1404, in the example embodiment eight denesting tabs are included, but other embodiments may include any suitable number of denesting tabs. The denesting tabs 1736 extend away from the respective panels 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 and along the flange panels 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718. An indentation 1738 is defined along a bottom edge 1740 of the denesting tab 1736.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an example faujased container 1800 formed from a blank 1700 (shown in fig. 18). The container 1800 is substantially similar to the container 900 (shown in fig. 8) and is formed from the blank 1700 using a method similar to the formation of the container 900 from the blank 800. The container 1800 may have a different size than the container 900 and further includes denesting tabs 1736. The container 1800 includes a bottom wall (not shown), first and second end walls 1802, 1804, first and second side walls 1806, 1808, and four corner walls 1810. The bottom wall (not shown) includes a bottom panel 1710. The first end wall 1802 includes a first end panel 1702 and two inner corner panels 1724. The second end wall 1804 includes a second end panel 1704 and two inner corner panels 1724. The first side wall 1806 includes a first side panel 1706 and two inner corner panels 1724. The second side wall 1808 includes a second side panel 1708 and two inner corner panels 1724. End walls 1802, 1804, side walls 1806, 1808, and corner wall 1810 form cavity 1812. The container 1800 also has a flange 1814 extending from the top of the walls 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808, 1810. A flange 1814 extends outwardly from the cavity 1812.

The container 1800 includes a denesting tab 1736, the denesting tab 1736 extending from each end of each wall 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808 at an acute angle relative to the corner wall 1810 in the plane of the respective wall 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808. The denesting tab 1736 does not extend beyond the plane 1816 defined by the edge of the flange 1814.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a stack 1900 of a plurality of containers 1800, wherein the containers 1800 are nested or stacked for storage and/or transport thereof. The bottom edge 1740 of each denesting tab 1736 rests along the top surface of flange 1814. This creates a space 1902 between each flange 1814 of each container 1800. The spacing 1920 between each container 1800 is substantially equal and is defined by the height of the denesting tabs 1736. The space 1902 provides sufficient clearance between the containers 1800 to allow a worker or machine to separate the containers 1800.

Fig. 21 is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 2100 for forming a container. The blank 2100 is substantially similar to the blank 100 (shown in fig. 1) except as noted below. For example, unlike the blank 100 (shown in fig. 1) that includes the flange panels 136, 138, 150, 152, the blank 2100 is "non-flanged" in that it does not include a flange panel. In other embodiments, the blank 2100 may include a flange panel substantially similar to the flange panels 136, 138, 150, 152 (shown in fig. 1) for forming a flange, such as flange 2314 (shown in fig. 23) of the container 2300. The same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the blank 100 and the blank 2100.

In the example embodiment, the blank 2100 includes a first end panel 106, a second end panel 110, a first side panel 116, a second side panel 122, and a bottom panel 108. The blank 2100 further includes an inner side panel 2102, the inner side panel 2102 having an overall shape that is different from the inner side panel 130 of the blank 100. The inner panels 2102 of the blank 2100 each include a free edge 178 opposite the fold line 132 and extending at least partially generally oblique to the fold line 132. The free edge 178 includes a first portion 2104 extending obliquely from the end edge 172 of the respective side panel 116, 122 to an inflection point 2108. In this example, the first portion 2104 is oriented at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees relative to the end edge 172, but may be oriented at any oblique angle. The second portion 2106 of the free edge 178 extends from the inflection point 2108 to a curved corner 2109, in other examples, the curved corner 2109 may be square or chamfered. The third portion 2111 of the free edge 178 extends inwardly from the curved corner 2109 to the corresponding end panel 106, 110. Additionally, in the example embodiment, the end panels 106, 110 each define a tab 2112, the tab 2112 protruding into the inner panel 2102 and being configured to form denesting tabs similar to those previously described herein.

In an example embodiment, the bottom panel 108 of the blank 2100 includes a rim 2114, the rim 2114 defining an opening 2116 extending through the bottom panel 108. In some embodiments, the blank 2100 is die cut to form the opening 2116 in the bottom panel 108. A transparent film 2118 is attached to the blank 2100 and covers the opening 2116, the transparent film 2118 may be made of any suitable material (such as an at least translucent and preferably transparent plastic or fiber-based material), also referred to herein as a "lid". In particular, adhesive may be applied on the inner surface 101 of the blank 2100, at the rim 2114, and around the perimeter of the bottom panel 108 (i.e., adjacent lines 112, 114, 118, and 124). A film 2118 is applied to the adhesive on the inner surface 101, on the rim 2114, to cover the bottom panel 108, and in particular to cover the opening 2116 defined in the bottom panel 108. In other embodiments, the membrane 2118 may be attached by any other suitable means, including by using heat, pressure, or other combinations. Additionally or alternatively, a film (not shown) may be attached to the outer surface 103 of the blank 2100.

Fig. 22A is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 2200 for forming a container. The blank 2200 is substantially similar to the blanks 100, 1500, and 2100 except as noted below. In particular, the blank 2200 is substantially identical to the blank 1500 except that the blank 2200 includes a tab 2203 having a perforated edge 2205 and a film 2218 (similar to the film 2118 of the blank 2100) attached to the bottom panel 108. The same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the blank 100 and the blank 2100.

In an example embodiment, the tongue 2203 is coupled to the bottom panel 108 along a perforated edge 2205. In the example embodiment, perforated edge 2205 extends partially around the perimeter of tongue 2203, but in other embodiments tongue 2203 may be coupled to bottom wall 108 by one or more edges that are not perforated on one or more sides of tongue 2203. In this example, one side of the tab 2203 is unperforated and a fold line is formed along the edge of the unperforated side of the tab 2203. The film 2218 is attached to the inner surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 by an adhesive attachment 2207 and extends across the tab 2203. The film 2218 is substantially the same as the film 2118 described above with reference to fig. 21.

In an example embodiment, the tab 2203 is configured to tear along the perforated edge to define an opening 2266 (shown in fig. 22B), the opening 2266 extending through the bottom panel 108 and being covered by the film 2218 in substantially the same manner as the opening 2116 shown in fig. 21. Thus, the perforated tab may be broken along its perforated portion and folded back via a fold line formed along the edge of the tab on the unperforated side of tab 2203 (as shown in fig. 22B) to provide access to view through film 2218 from outside the container formed from blank 2200 when the container is displayed. Additionally, the tongue 2203 provides reinforcement and support to the cargo received in the container, such as when the container formed from the blank 2200 is transported and/or generally prior to display.

Although in this example embodiment the tongue 2203 is formed as part of the bottom panel 108 in that it is defined in the bottom panel 108 and is attached to the bottom panel 108 by a perforated edge 2205, in other embodiments the tongue 2203 may be attached to the bottom panel 108 on the inner surface 101 or the outer surface 103 and may extend across an opening (not shown) defined by the bottom panel 108. For example, and without limitation, in one such embodiment, the bottom panel 108 defines an opening (not shown), and the tongue 2203 is attached to the outer surface 103 of the blank 2200 on the bottom panel 108 and positioned below the bottom panel and extends across the opening.

Fig. 22B is a perspective view of an example container 2250 formed from blank 2200 (shown in fig. 22A), with film 2218 removed.

Container 2250 includes a first side wall 2258, a first end wall 2254, a second side wall (not shown), and a second end wall (not shown). Container 2250 defines a flange 2264 extending around the perimeter of container 2250 at a top side 2263 of container 2250. When positioned in a top-up orientation, flange 2264 defines an upper vertical extent of container 2250 and is broadly referred to herein as a "first end support structure". In other embodiments, where the container does not include flange 2264 (e.g., when formed from blank 2100 shown in fig. 21), the first end support structure may alternatively be defined as a surface or portion of the container that is configured to contact the support structure when container 2250 is oriented in a bottom-up orientation.

The container 2250 further includes a bottom wall 2252, the bottom wall 2252 defining an opening (not shown) wherein a membrane (not shown) covers the opening. When positioned in a top-up orientation, the bottom wall 2252 defines a lower vertical extent of the container 2250 and is broadly referred to herein as a "second end support structure". Flange 2264 defines an opening (not shown) that is accessible at the top side 2263 of container 2250. The opening provides access to an interior cavity (e.g., similar to cavity 212 shown in fig. 2) defined by container 2250. Container 2250 may receive any suitable size of cargo therein, such as, but not limited to, food products, such as agricultural products. In an example embodiment, container 2250 further includes a denesting tab 1404, which is substantially the same as denesting tab 1404 shown in fig. 16.

In the example embodiment, tab wall 2253 is coupled to container 2250 and is shown in an open configuration in which tab wall 2253 is folded back from bottom wall 108 along a fold line. Tongue wall 2253 corresponds to tongue 2203 shown in fig. 22A. When initially assembled, the tab wall 2253 is in a closed configuration in which the tab wall 2253 is attached to the bottom wall 2252 around the perimeter of the bottom wall 2252. To transition the tab wall 2253 to the open configuration, such as when the container 2250 is arranged to be displayed in a bottom-up configuration, the tab wall 2253 may be torn along one or more of the perforated edges 2255 and folded back from the bottom wall 2252 along the fold line. In some embodiments, tab wall 2253 is configured to be completely removed from bottom wall 2252.

The bottom wall 108 defines an opening 2266 when in the open configuration, providing visual access to the cavity that is exposed when the tab wall 2253 is in the open configuration. In the example embodiment, the tab wall 2253 is generally rectangular and defines a notch 2265, the notch 2265 corresponding to the curved tab 2267 on the bottom wall 2208 to provide a tear initiation area for a user to initiate breaking of the perforation. In other embodiments, tab wall 2253 may have any suitable shape.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of another example container 2300 formed from a blank substantially similar to blank 2100 and/or blank 2200 and positioned in a bottom-up orientation. Container 2300 is substantially similar to container 2250 (shown in fig. 22B), except that container 2300 does not include tab wall 2253.

In the example embodiment, the container 2300 includes a first side wall 2308, a first end wall 2304, a second side wall (not shown), and a second end wall (not shown). The container 2300 defines a flange 2314 extending around the perimeter of the container 2300 at the top side 2313 of the container 2300. The container 2300 further includes a bottom wall 2302, the bottom wall 2302 defining an opening 2316, wherein a film 2318 covers the opening 2316. The opening 2316 and the film 2318 in the bottom wall 2302 correspond to the opening 2116 and the film 2118 of the blank 2100. Unlike container 2250, which includes denesting tabs 1414 (shown in fig. 22A, 22B), container 2300 does not include denesting tabs.

Bottom wall 2302 is the surface on which container 2300 rests in face-to-face contact when container 2300 is placed on a generally flat surface in a top-up orientation. Bottom wall 2302 is defined by a pair of end edges 2332 and a pair of side edges 2334. End edge 2332 is formed at the intersection of bottom wall 2302 and end wall 2304. Side edges 2334 are formed at the intersection of bottom wall 2302 and side wall 2306. In addition, bottom wall 2302 includes an inner side edge 2334 and an inner end edge 2336 that define an opening 2316. As in the example embodiment, the bottom wall 2302 is generally rectangular, the bottom wall 2302 having a total area defined by the length of the side edges 2330 multiplied by the length of the end edges 2332. Additionally, as in the example embodiment, the opening 2316 is generally rectangular, with the opening 2316 having an area defined by the length of the inner end edge 2334 multiplied by the length of the inner end edge 2336. In some embodiments, bottom wall 2302 is sized such that the area of opening 2316 is greater than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 25%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 70%, and/or greater than or equal to 75% of the total area of bottom wall 2302. In the exemplary embodiment, the area of opening 2316 is approximately 30% of the total area of bottom wall 2302.

The containers 2250, 2300 of fig. 22B and 23 are each configured to be filled (e.g., with a food item or any other suitable cargo), covered and/or sealed at the top sides 2213, 2313 with a transparent cover or top seal 2409 (shown in fig. 24), and positioned for display and/or storage in either of the top-up orientation shown in fig. 16 and 22B or the bottom-up orientation shown in fig. 23.

Although the openings 2116, 2266, 2316 and transparent films 2118, 2218, 2318 are described herein with respect to the blanks 2100, 2200 and containers 2250, 2300, in alternative embodiments, any of the blanks 100, 400, 600, 800, 1100, 1400, 1700 may include a bottom panel 106, the bottom panel 106 having an opening and/or a tongue configured to be adjusted to define an opening, wherein the opening is covered by a transparent film in substantially the same manner as described with respect to the blanks 2100, 2200 and containers 2250, 2300 and/or 2402-2408 as shown and described with reference to fig. 21-24.

Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement 2400 of multiple receptacles 2401-2407. Containers 2401-2407 are identical to one another and are substantially similar to container 2250 (shown in fig. 22B) and container 2300 (shown in fig. 23) and are formed from blanks substantially similar to blank 2100 (shown in fig. 21) and blank 2200 (shown in fig. 22A).

In an example embodiment, the containers 2401-2407 are filled with a good (not shown), such as a variety of food products, and are disposed in a display shelf that is visible to a consumer of the good. The containers 2401-2407 also include a transparent top seal 2409, the transparent top seal 2409 being attached to the flange 2414 (e.g., using an adhesive, or otherwise bonded via heat, pressure, a combination of heat and pressure, and/or other known bonding methods). Transparent top seal 2409 provides access to the cargo received within containers 2401-2407 when containers 2401-2407 are in a top-up orientation. In one example, containers 2401-2407 are filled with a predetermined amount of agricultural product, and after the goods are received in the corresponding containers 2409, top seal 2409 is attached to flange 2414.

In an example embodiment, the arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 includes adjacent containers positioned in opposite orientations on a support structure 2411. In an example embodiment, the support structure 2411 is a table with a generally flat top surface. The first container 2401 is positioned in a top up orientation, the second container 2403 is positioned immediately adjacent and between the first container 2401 and the third container 2405, and in a bottom up orientation, the third container 2405 is positioned immediately adjacent and between the second container 2403 and the fourth container 2407, and in a top up orientation, and the fourth container 2407 is positioned immediately adjacent and in a bottom up orientation to the third container 2405. A flange 2414 of each container protrudes from each end wall 2404 and defines a lateral (i.e., left to right in fig. 24) extent 2413, 2415 of the containers 2401-2407.

In an example embodiment, arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 is configured such that the lateral extents of containers 2401-2407 overlap, thereby reducing the total footprint of arrangement 2400, or in other words, providing the space area required for a number of containers to be displayed or stored. In particular, the end walls 2404 each taper outwardly from the bottom wall 2402 to a corresponding flange 2414. The flange 2414 of the first container 2401 has a lateral extent 2413 adjacent and/or abutting the bottom wall 2402 of the second container 2403. In addition, the flange 2414 of the second container 2401 has a lateral extent 2415 adjacent to and/or abutting the bottom wall 2402 of the first container 2401. Thus, adjacent containers overlap one another in a vertical manner by a distance generally indicated at D1 as the overlap distance between the lateral extents 2413, 2415 of adjacent containers 2401, 2403. Similarly, for embodiments in which the containers do not have flanges 2414 (e.g., containers formed from blank 2100), as shown in fig. 24, the alternating arrangement of containers in a top-up orientation and a bottom-up orientation allows adjacent sloped walls of each respective container to nest at least partially with its adjacent container. In this way the total footprint of the arrangement is similarly reduced. Further, because each of the containers 2401-2407 includes an opening 2316 and a transparent film 2318 (shown in fig. 23) on the bottom wall 2402 and a transparent top seal 2409 attached to a flange 2414, a consumer can view any of the containers 2401-2407 downward, whether in a bottom-up orientation or a top-up orientation, while having visual access to the goods inside the containers 2401-2407. Thus, arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 allows containers 2401-2407 to be displayed in a staggered orientation while maintaining top-down visual access to the cavity of the container and the goods (such as food products) received within the cavity.

As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," "generally," and "approximately," when used in connection with a range of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures, or other physical or chemical properties or characteristics, are intended to encompass variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the range of such properties or characteristics, including, for example, variations that result from rounding, measurement methods, or other statistical variations.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and "containing" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., "top," "bottom," "side," etc.) is for convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of the described items.

Exemplary embodiments of containers and blanks for making the same are described above in detail. The container and blank are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, the blank and/or components of the container may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature in the figures may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature in any other figures, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

A first end structure, wherein the first end structure defines a first opening therein, the first end structure being configured to receive a first cover positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening;

A second end structure is positioned relative to the first end structure and defines a second opening therein, the second opening extending through the second end structure, and the second end structure is configured to receive a second cover positioned on the second end structure and extending across the second opening;

Two opposing side walls are connected to the second end structure along a corresponding first set of fold lines, and the two opposing side walls extend from the second end structure to the first end structure;

Two opposing end walls are connected to the second end structure along a corresponding second set of fold lines, wherein at least one of the two opposing end walls extends obliquely relative to the second end structure and gradually expands outward from the second end structure.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the second end structure, the two opposing side walls and the two opposing end walls together define a cavity therebetween, and wherein the first opening and the second opening each provide passage to the cavity.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the first lid and the second lid are each transparent and facilitate a visual pathway from an external viewpoint to the goods positioned within the cavity.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the container is positioned on the support structure in both a top-up orientation and a bottom-up orientation, wherein in the top-up orientation, the second end structure is positioned to face-to-face with the support structure and the goods are visible through the first cover above the first opening from a view above the container, and wherein in the bottom-up orientation, the first end structure is positioned to face-to-face with the support structure and the goods are visible through the second cover above the second opening from a view above the container.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the second end structure is a bottom wall of the container, the bottom wall including an edge defining the second opening therein, wherein the container further includes a perforated tongue coupled to the bottom wall, the perforated tongue being switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration the perforated tongue extends across the second opening, and in the second configuration the second cover is exposed to provide a visual pathway into the cavity of the container from an external viewpoint.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the bottom wall has a total first area, and wherein the second opening has a second area, the bottom wall being sized such that the second area of the second opening accounts for a percentage of the total first area of the bottom wall greater than or equal to 10%.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the second cap is attached to the second end structure by an adhesive.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the two opposing side walls and the two opposing end walls each have a generally trapezoidal shape, and the end walls and the side walls each extend obliquely away from the second end structure.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the second end structure, the two opposing side walls, and the two opposing end walls collectively define a cavity of the container for receiving a product therein, the cavity being further configured to receive a portion of an adjacent container therein to facilitate stacking the adjacent containers within the container, and wherein the container further includes a denesting assembly configured to engage the adjacent container when it is received within the cavity of the container, such that the flange of the adjacent container is spaced apart from the flange of the container.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the denesting component includes a denesting tab and a denesting cutout, the denesting tab being folded into the cavity.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein the denesting assembly includes a corresponding denesting tab coupled to an end edge of each side wall, the denesting tab extending outward from the end edge and coplanar with the corresponding side wall.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is oriented on the support structure in both a top-up orientation and a bottom-up orientation, wherein, in the top-up orientation, the second end structure is positioned to face the support structure, and the interior of the container is visible through the first cover above the first opening from a view above the container, and wherein, in the bottom-up orientation, the first end structure is positioned to face the support structure, and the interior of the container is visible through the second cover above the second opening from a view above the container.

The container is configured to be positioned adjacent to a neighboring container of substantially similar size and shape on the support structure in a first arrangement, such that the container is positioned with its top facing upwards, and the neighboring container is positioned with its bottom facing upwards.

In the first arrangement, the first end structure is positioned adjacent to the second end structure of the adjacent container and defines a first lateral range of the container; the second end structure is positioned adjacent to the first end structure of the adjacent container; the first end structure of the adjacent container defines a second lateral range of the adjacent container; and the first lateral range of the container overlaps with the second lateral range of the adjacent container.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein, in the first arrangement, one of the end walls and one of the side walls of the container overlaps with a second lateral extent of the adjacent container.

14. A blank for forming a container, comprising:

Bottom panel;

The two opposite side panels of the bottom panel are connected along the corresponding first set of fold lines;

Two opposing end panels are connected to the bottom panel along corresponding second set of fold lines, wherein each of the side panels and the end panels is sized such that, when folded along the corresponding fold lines and formed into the container, the two opposing side panels and the two opposing end panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and taper outward from the bottom panel to define a first end structure opposite the bottom panel. The first end structure defines a first opening and is configured to receive a first cap positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening.

The bottom panel defines a second opening therein extending through the bottom panel; and

The bottom panel is configured to receive a second cover positioned on the bottom panel and extending across the second opening.

15. The blank according to claim 14, wherein the first cover and the second cover are each transparent and facilitate a visual pathway from an external viewpoint to the goods positioned within the container.

16. The blank according to claim 14, wherein the bottom panel has a total first area, and wherein the second opening has a second area, the bottom panel being sized such that the second area of the second opening accounts for a percentage of the total first area of the bottom panel greater than or equal to 10%.

17. The blank of claim 14, wherein the second cover is attached to the bottom panel via an adhesive to the bottom panel.

18. A method for forming a container from a blank, the blank comprising a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, and two opposing end panels, the method comprising:

The end panel is rotated inward toward the bottom panel, wherein, during rotation, the end panel extends obliquely relative to the bottom panel and gradually expands outward from the bottom panel;

The side panel is rotated inward toward the bottom panel, wherein, during rotation, the side panel extends obliquely relative to the bottom panel and gradually expands outward from the bottom panel;

A first end structure is formed in the container opposite to the bottom panel, the first end structure defining a first opening and configured to receive a first cover positioned thereon and extending across the first opening, wherein the bottom panel defines a second end structure, the second end structure including an opening formed therein extending through the bottom panel, wherein the second end structure is configured to receive a second cover coupled to the bottom panel and positioned on the bottom panel to extend across the second opening.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first cover and the second cover are each transparent and facilitate a visual pathway from an external viewpoint to the goods positioned within the container.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the bottom panel has a total first area, and wherein the second opening has a second area, the bottom panel being sized such that the second area of the second opening accounts for a percentage of the total first area of the bottom panel greater than or equal to 10%.